home News How to transfer all iTunes data to another drive or folder. Advanced work with iPhone backups - guide How to transfer backups from iTunes

How to transfer all iTunes data to another drive or folder. Advanced work with iPhone backups - guide How to transfer backups from iTunes

iTunes is a must-have companion for any iOS device owner. The utility not only helps you exchange content between a PC and a mobile device, but also makes it possible to update or restore your Apple gadget, buy and download new applications and media files, create a ringtone, etc. However, perhaps the most important option of the program is making a backup, because today we store so much important and valuable information in our mobile assistants that it would be an extreme shame to lose it if it is lost/stolen or simply when the device breaks.

In this article we will tell you how to create a copy of data in iTunes, as well as where iTunes stores backup copies.

Creating a backup in iTunes is a very simple procedure and even a novice user can handle it. To perform a backup, follow these instructions:

Ready! All that remains is to wait until the program saves the created duplicate on the PC. You can verify that the backup in iTunes was successful by opening the “Edit” section of the program, then “Settings” and going to the “Devices” tab - the created copy and the number of its creation will be displayed here.

As you understand, backups need to be repeated regularly. In this case, please note that only the latest current duplicate will be stored on the computer - when creating a new backup, old data is deleted automatically.

Where are iTunes backup files stored?

So, we figured out how to make a backup copy, but you probably have a logical question - where exactly does the program save the backed up information and is it possible to view it. Well, let's find out.

The directory into which the utility determines the copied data instance depends on what PC you are working with.

If you own a Mac, you can access the storage location as follows:

If you are using a Windows computer, to find the storage location of the backed up information:

How to view files and restore from an iTunes backup?

Now let’s talk about what a backup saved in iTunes looks like. It is a folder whose name contains 40 characters. There are a bunch of other folders hiding in this folder. None of the folders can be renamed, and on the official Apple support page it is highly recommended not to transfer the folder with the backup information anywhere. After all, something can be accidentally damaged - you can accidentally delete some important file, and if the duplicate is damaged, when restoring data, you will most likely encounter an error.

However, most likely, when you see this pile of folders, you will have a question not about how to move them somewhere, but how to restore any information from a copy that looks so strange. Well, that is, with iCloud everything is clear - if you have made a backup in the cloud, you simply open the iCloud.com website, log in using your Apple ID and see all the backed up data, neatly laid out in clear sections - “Contacts”, “Photos” etc.

With iTunes, everything is somewhat different - you cannot view the data here, but, in fact, this should not worry the user too much. After all, this will not prevent data from being restored from iTunes to a new iOS device. When transferring content, the user will only need to select “Restore via iTunes” during the initial setup of the new gadget and connect the device to the PC - all the work will be done automatically.

But what if you need to extract partially backed up content in order to later transfer it, for example, to an Android device. This is where you have to work hard. There are different mechanisms for each type of information. For example, you can see how to copy contacts.

By the way, a complete list of information stored by duplicate data in iTunes can be found in this article.

What to do if iTunes backups refuse to be created?

Unfortunately, sometimes when performing a backup, you may encounter an error: “iTunes was unable to create a backup.” There can be many reasons for this - from simple wear and tear of the synchronization cable to conflicts with virus software.

First of all, if the backup procedure fails, it is recommended to take the following measures to eliminate the error:

If none of the recommendations help and you still cannot perform a backup, read this article or contact Apple Support.

Let's summarize

Well, now you know how to create a duplicate of data in iTunes, and you also know where the program stores the folders with the copies made. Unfortunately, it is impossible to view the information in them directly, but this is not important for restoring content. If you made a backup via iTunes, you can always extract information from the copy using special programs and eventually receive it in the proper form.

Store valuable documents in the system disk ( This is usually drive C:) is not safe. Many people know this from their own bitter experience, since the system disk quickly lives out its life, often gets damaged, and suffers most from virus attacks, which is especially not a supernatural phenomenon in the Windows OS family ( unfortunately or fortunately, I am not a MAC OS user). But in any case, it is better to keep everything valuable on an external drive, or at least in another partition. Fortunately, operating systems allow you to change the location of system folders by specifying a new path in their properties.

It is also advisable to keep your iTunes files in a different drive ( section), so that you don’t have to transfer them back and forth every time when you move the operating system, or you don’t have to tear your hair out when the system drive fails. We are talking not only about downloaded applications and games, music, movies, books, etc., but you also need to take into account backup copies of devices, which, depending on their number and the volume of the content itself, can be from 10 to 50 GB and more. This manual will also be useful for those who want to transfer data to another computer.

TRANSFER YOUR ITUNES MEDIA LIBRARY

MEDIA LIBRARY stores downloaded applications, music, movies, your videos, ringtones and books. By default, the files are located at:
c:\Users\(USER NAME)\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media - (USER NAME) the name of your account folder.

If you have already changed the location of the My Music folder by specifying a different address in the tab Location, in the property of this folder, then all files will be saved there. But this must be done before installing iTunes, or you will have to manually also change the address in the field iTunes media folder location by going to the menu Edit => Settings, in the tab Additional. If you check the box Copy to iTunes media folder when adding to media library, then the program will copy all music files to this folder, otherwise by default, it will simply play them from the original location.

Better let's start from the beginning and do it in order. Let's say you have a new iTunes installed, after reinstalling the system, or changing your computer. Or you yourself decided to move the iTunes folder from the above address to another drive. In all cases, if you immediately launch iTunes, it will create a new, empty library file.

The iTunes root folder contains library files and various folders, which also contains the iTunes Media folder where your applications, downloaded movies, books, ringtones, or maybe music are located. For example, you moved the iTunes folder itself to another drive and a new address, for example: D:\Itunes.

1. Launch iTunes as follows. We press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard and double-click on the iTunes shortcut on the desktop, and instead of launching the program as usual, a window will appear asking you to select the path to the media library or create a new one.

2. Click on the button Select media library, and in the window Open iTunes Library select the iTunes folder and find the iTunes Library.itl file in it. iTunes will think a little, check the files and open with all your data. Just, just in case, check in the settings whether the media library address is specified correctly.

This is how everything is done in 2 steps, easy and simple. I think you can do all this in a similar way in MAC OS.

TRANSFER OF BACKUP COPIES OF DEVICES

iTunes automatically backs up your devices every time you sync, just in case. This gives you the opportunity to restore the software system if the device crashes or data is lost. With the release of iOS5, a copy of the data is created in the iClouds cloud storage. But it's always a good idea to keep copies on your computer. This is especially necessary if you do a jalebreak or like to delve into the internals of the system. For example, when the system was not officially supported Multitasking Gestures, it was possible to enable it without jalebreak, slightly changing the configuration file that is in the backup copy, and then restore this copy.

The backup files are located at:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\backup

And they always weigh quite a bit. There is no way to change the path to the backup folder in the iTunes program itself, but it can be done. To do this you need to use SYMBOLIC LINKS (JUNCTION). This feature allows you to create a virtual drive or folder that is physically located in another drive or folder. That is, we will create a virtual backup folder where the contents will be located in another location, for example in D:\Itunes\backup . It's not hard to do. But the possibilities of symbolic links themselves are many. You can find out about it on the website and.

Before starting the transfer, create a new folder ( For example d:\Itunes\backup), where you want the backup files to be located and copy the contents of the backup folder there ( after which we delete the folder itself).

1. Go in and download a small file by clicking DOWNLOAD JUNCTION at the bottom of the page.

2. Unpack junction.exe from the Junction.zip archive file into a folder at:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync .

3. Click on the combination of buttons to open the EXECUTE window. Insert the line below into the OPEN field, changing it to suit you ( don't forget to change also (USERNAME) to your account folder name).

c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\Mobile\Sync\junction.exe backup d:\Itunes\backup

The first attribute is virtual folder name, and the second attribute is the address where the folder refers to.

Click the OK button and check whether the backup virtual folder has been created, which, if you did everything correctly, should be located as indicated below:
c:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\ backup

To check, you can copy any file to this folder and make sure that it is physically located on another drive.

That's all. From now on, iTunes will store backups in the d:\Itunes\backup folder, without knowing it. All this may seem complicated to you, but believe me, it will take no more than 5 minutes. The transfer idea may also seem unnecessary and pointless to you, but someday it can save you nerve cells and wasted time.

IPhone or iPad does not require any special knowledge. Apple engineers have made this process as simple and accessible as possible for ordinary users. But what if you needed to move a backup from one computer to another? Or get some specific data from a backup in iTunes? Or download the entire iCloud backup to your computer? This guide will help you with any of these and many other non-standard tasks related to iPhone backups.

Where is iPhone backup stored?

Let's start moving from simple to complex operations. Let's say you need to copy a backup of your iPhone or iPad made using iTunes. For example, in order to save it on external media or in cloud storage. This can be useful if the backup contains truly important information and you want to make sure it doesn't get lost. Even if your computer breaks down.

Finding a backup is very easy, but it is located in different places on different operating systems.

On macOS: in ~//Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.
On Windows XP: in the \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder.
On Windows 7/8/10: in the \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ folder.

On computers running Windows 7/8/10, the iTunes backup folder is hidden. Initially you will need to make it visible. To do this, go to " Control Panel» → « Folders settings» → « View" and check the box " Show hidden files, folders and drives».

Note that on new versions of Microsoft OS you can go to the backup folder even easier. Just click " Start" and enter the command " %appdata%/Apple Computer/MobileSync/Backup"(without quotes). The result of the request will be the opening of a folder with iTunes backups saved on the computer.

How to determine which device is which copy?

We managed to determine the location of the iPhone and iPad backups, but how can we now figure out which folder should be copied? The folder with backups will greet you with a similar window if you have backed up several iOS devices in iTunes.

Luckily, finding the folder you need is easy. To do this, go to one of the backup folders and find the file in it Info.plist. Open it with a text editor such as WordPad and search for Product Name. Under the found line it will be written which of your mobile devices this copy belongs to.

How to properly transfer a backup to another drive

Finding and copying a backup folder from one drive to another is not enough to transfer it correctly. In order for the backup to be detected in iTunes after the transfer, you need to create symbolic links.

For Windows

Step 1: Close iTunes.

Step 2: Copy the folder \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\ to another drive, for example, to a folder \Backup\Backup.

Step 3: Remove the backup folder from the drive you were moving from. Important! Be sure to make sure that the entire folder has been copied to avoid accidental data loss.

Step 4: Run Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, go to the menu " Start", enter the search query " Command line", right-click on the utility shortcut and click " Run as administrator».

Step 5: At the command prompt, enter the following command:

MKLINK /D “old path to the backup folder” “new path”.

MKLINK /D “C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” “D:\Backup\Backup”,

C:\ – drive letter where backups were previously stored.
D:\ – drive letter to which you want to transfer backups.
Username - your username.
\Backup\Backup - the folder to which the backup was copied in step 2.

Let's give an even more clear example. If your Windows username is “Vasily Petrov” and you are transferring backups from drive C to drive E, then you need to enter the following command:

MKLINK /D “C:\Users\Vasily Petrov\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\” “E:\Backup\Backup”.

Step 6. If everything is done correctly, the result of the operation will be a message indicating the successful creation of symbolic links.

Ready! You have moved backups from one drive to another. You can verify this by launching iTunes and going to the “ Edit» → « Settings» → « Devices" In the list " Device backups"A list of all your backups will be available.

For Mac

Step 1: Quit iTunes. To do this, right-click on the iTunes icon in the panel Dock and select " Complete».

Step 2. Go to the folder /Library/Application Support/MobileSync/.

Step 3: Copy the folder Backup to another drive, then delete the original backup folder. We again warn you that you need to wait until the copying is completed, otherwise you may lose important data.

Step 4: Run " Terminal" The easiest way to do this is by searching Spotlight.

Step 5. In the " terminal» enter the command:

ln -s /Volumes/new_folder/Backup /Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/,

where “new_folder” is the folder to which you previously moved the backups.

Ready! You can check the success of the operation by launching iTunes and looking for backup copies on the “Devices” tab.

Activating iTunes backups on a computer with a reinstalled system or on a new computer is carried out in a similar way. In order for iTunes to see the backups of your devices, after installing it on a new system, you will need to enter one of the above commands.

How to extract data from iPhone and iPad backups

Quite often, iPhone and iPad users need to extract some specific information or files from an old and sometimes current backup copy of an iOS device. The iTools utility, well known to many owners of Apple equipment, helps solve this problem.

Step 1: Download the latest version of iTools from official website programs. Please note that the utility is completely free.

Step 2. Unpack the archive with the utility and run iTools.exe. There is no need to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.

Step 3: Go to the tab Tools».

Step 4: Select a tool iTunes Backup Manager.

Step 5: Double-click on the backup from which you want to extract the files.

Step 6. Select the information you want to download from the backup, click " Export" and specify the folder to save the files.

iTools allows you to extract a variety of information from iPhone and iPad backups, from contacts and text messages to documents from applications and photos. Most data is downloaded the traditional way, but there are a couple of exceptions.

First, data from applications. You can find them using iTools, but you will have to tinker. The fact is that the utility does not show a list with a clear listing of application names. Because of this, you won’t be able to quickly find the application you need, but the main thing is that it is possible. To start the search you will need to go to the folder var → mobile → Applications, in which you can methodically search for applications from which you need data.

We recommend focusing on names that, although not specific, contain information about the application. Viber messenger attachments, for example, can be found in the folder com.viber → Attachments.

And secondly, it is not so easy to download a contact book and a collection of text messages. There are no problems with their detection; they are located in the “ Shared Directories"under their own names, but with further use there is. In the backup, contacts and SMS are stored in the “.sqlitedb” format, which cannot be launched by any standard utilities. Therefore, you will need to use a special converter.

Step 1: Download the free program SQLite Browser.

Step 2. Install and run the program.

Step 3: Click Ctrl + O and select the contact book file in the format .sqlitedb.

Note: You must select “All files” as the file type.

Step 4: Go to the tab Execute SQL" and paste the following command into the form:

select ABPerson.prefix,ABPerson.suffix, ABPerson.first,ABPerson.middle,ABPerson.last, ABMultiValue.value, ABPerson.note, ABPerson.nickname, ABPerson.organization, ABPerson.department, ABPerson.jobtitle, ABPerson.birthday from ABPerson ,ABMultiValue where ABMultiValue.record_id=ABPerson.ROWID

Step 5: Click the button Start.

Step 6. Click on the save button and select " Export to CSV».

Immediately after this, your contact book (or text messages) will appear in the specified folder in a format that is easy to use for later use.

How to download a backup from iCloud

Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone for iOS utility from official website programs. The application, alas, is paid, like any other tool with a similar set of functions.

Step 2. Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone and go to menu Recover from iCloud Backup File.

Step 3. Enter the username and password for your Apple ID account.

Step 4: Wait for the list of backups to appear.

Step 5. Select the required backup and click Download.

Step 6: Check the boxes next to the backup data you need to download.

Step 7. Wait until the processing process is completed and a list of data downloaded from iCloud appears in the program window. Select the required files and click Recover.

Step 8. In the window that opens, select Recover to Computer and specify the folder where the files will be saved.

If you have no desire to spend money on special utilities, then there is only one way out, very obvious. Back up your iPhone or iPad to iTunes, follow full reset mobile device and during the initial setup, select a copy from iCloud as a backup for recovery. Thanks to this solution, your iPhone or iPad will have the exact iCloud backup you need. Next, you should make a copy of the gadget in iTunes and access it using the method we described earlier. Of course, not the most convenient method to use, but nevertheless, it works.

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Mobile devices such as the iPhone are in great demand among the population. There are various applications and programs for working with gadgets. For example, iTunes is a very popular software. The application allows you to synchronize your mobile device with your computer, as well as work with information on your tablet/phone. For example, creating backup copies of user data is becoming a common feature. You can find the corresponding document at any time and restore it to your iPhone/iPad. But not everyone understands where iTunes saves the backup. Where to look for it in this or that case?

For Windows

Much depends on what operating system we are talking about. The fact is that the majority of users work with Windows. Accordingly, iTunes saves backup copies in specially designated places. Where exactly?

The version of the operating system also plays an important role. For example, you can work with:

Windows XP;
Vista;
Windows 7/8/8.1/10.

In all these versions, iTunes stores backup data in different areas. So what folders are they stored in? Where does the user need to log in in this or that case?

For Windows XP, the following is relevant: Documents and Settings/user Computer/MobileSync. You need to find a folder called BackUp. It contains all the backups made by the application.

You can also work in Windows Vista. This is far from the most common case. Where does iTunes save a backup copy of user data on Vista? You can find it at: Documents and Settings/username/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/MobileSync. As in the previous case, you need to explore the "Backup" folder.

Newer versions of Windows are easier to work with. Just go to the hard drive partition on which the OS is installed. Next go to: Users/name/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer. As before, you need to find the MobileSync folder, and in it - “Backup”.

If there is no folder

Sometimes it happens that the required document is not available in Windows. Then users wonder where the iTunes backup is. After all, the application works, it stores this or that information somewhere.

In fact, BackUp is simply hidden from the user's eyes. In order to correct the situation, you need:

Select "Folder Options" - "View".
Check the box next to "Display files and folders hidden from the user."
Click "OK".

MacOS

Some users work with MacOS. This is far from the most common case, but it still occurs. Where does iTunes save the backup copy of information in such a case?

Finding the required file will not be difficult. Just follow the following address: Users/user/Library/Application Support. This is where the MobileSync folder will be.

Now every user will be able to discover one or another copy made by iTunes for iPhone or iPad. If necessary, you can delete it or copy it to removable media.

Determining the iPhone version

Please note that all backups made using iTunes are created for specific device models. This means that on newer/older phones the file will not be recognized.

It's clear where iTunes saves the backup. How can you determine which smartphone/tablet it was made for?

The instructions for determining which iPhone version is compatible with data look something like this:

Find the folder in which all copies from iTunes are stored.
Open the required package of documents. There will definitely be an Info.Plist file in the folder.
Run the document using any text editor. For example, Notepad is perfect.
Find the line: Product Name.
Now you should carefully study the information between the lines. This is where something like iPhone 5S will be written.

Ready! From now on, it is clear how to find it, as well as how you can understand which version of the iPhone this or that data was created on.

Sync iPhone and iPad without iTunes

Problems syncing iTunes with iPad or iPhone.

With a large number of files on the iPad or iPhone, at the time of synchronization, namely when the backup is being saved, iTunes gives an error and refuses to sync.

Cause of iTunes synchronization error.

Problem in caused by insufficient free space on the hard drive, in particular on the system partition “C”. You have to delete or move various files from the system drive to free up space. But what to do if you have nothing else to transfer, but there is still not enough space and the error persists. There is a solution. You can move your Backup iTunes backup to another partition. Read our instructions on how to do this.

Alternative solution!

The solution is to stop using iTunes as your main program to transfer files from your computer to your iPad or iPhone. Our specialists will help you with installation, configuration and training of this program. Call ‹ 495 › 22 66 298 and leave a request for a specialist visit to your home. Departure is carried out throughout Moscow within an hour after completing the application.

Setting up an iPhone or iPad from RUB 400.

Instructions for solving the problem.

The first steps are the same for all operating systems. First, you need to go to iTunes settings and delete all backups of your iPad or iPhone there. It's done like this. You launch iTunes, find the “Settings” tab at the top, go to the “Devices” section. Select unnecessary backups and click “Delete backup”.

Settings. Transferring a Backup to a Mac OS computer.

Next, we need to check the Backup folder itself, which is located at “/Users/[your user name]/Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/”. We need to make sure that there are no copies left in it that we don’t need. If there are any left, then we delete unnecessary folders with copies. The folder with the latest backup can be identified by the date and time it was created. Then we cut out the “Backup” folder and paste it into the desired partition on the hard drive. There should be no Backup packs left along the old path. Now we need to tell iTunes where our Backup folder is. Create a symbolic link through the Terminal. Select “Programs”, then “Utilities”, “Terminal”. Next, enter the command: “ln -s /Volumes/Macintosh_new disk/here is the path to the folder/Backup/Volumes/old hard drive or partition/Users/your user name/Library/Application Support/MobileSync” (the underscore “_” symbolizes a space ).

. Transferring a Backup copy to a computer running Windows 7.

The Backup folder in Windows 7 is located at “\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\”. We also check for unnecessary backups in this folder and delete them. Next, create a Backup folder on another partition and transfer into it everything that was in the Backup folder on the system drive. Now we need to create a symbolic link. We go to the “Start” menu, “Accessories”, “Command Prompt” and right-click on it “Run as administrator”. In the window that opens, enter the following: mklink /d_"C:\Users\your user name\AppData\Roaming\Application Support\MobileSync\Backup"_d:\name or path to the new folder (quotes are needed before "C:\ and after \ Backup" because the path contains spaces in the folder names, _ underscore is a space). This completes the transfer. Trying to synchronize iPad or iPhone.